Colleagues of the Lexington House take a picture with the $10,000 grant from the 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County. Photo from the Lexington House’s Facebook page.

News Release

ELKHART  — Seeing the impact on the members at Lexington House led Ginny Russell and Karen Nicholson to nominate the nonprofit for a $10,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County.

Jesi Williams, a member of Lexington House, told the women gathered at the check presentation about the difference in herself since first coming to the club. Williams expressed high gratitude for the club and how it has given her a place to come each day to better herself. “I have gained so much confidence by being here and I also see it with everyone who comes here,” said Williams.

Lexington House is a member-run club for people working to better their mental health. Members take pride in living up to the nationwide mission “A community of recovery, hope and dignity that empowers people with a history of mental illness through friendship, meaningful work and cultivating strengths.” Members and staff work as colleagues to maintain the function of the clubhouse. Colleagues do all the tasks to keep the clubhouse going such as cooking, cleaning, finances, and all other needs. Lexington House offers members social activities, employment programs, and wellness opportunities. The Elkhart clubhouse has grown to over 170 members since being established in 2020.

Russell and Nicholson, members of 100 Women, nominated Cora Dale House in Goshen seven years ago. They felt it was perfect to nominate the Lexington House in Elkhart now. Four times a year, women gather and pay $100 to participate in 100 Women Who Care. Nominations of recipients are submitted, and three are drawn at random. After short presentations, those in attendance vote. The nonprofit selected receives a grant of $10,000.

Lexington House will relocate later this year. “This grant will help with more support and confidence levels in members,” Williams said. “This will allow us to be able to empower those people with a history of mental illness, while also giving us meaningful work and being able to cultivate our strengths.”

The next 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Matterhorn Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St., Elkhart.

The ten-year anniversary meeting of 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County will be at 5:30 p.m. July 9, at Matterhorn Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St., Elkhart.